John Sandeman with his grandson Mason Parker. Mason was killed by his stepfather. The little boy's death has lead to Queensland laws forcing childcare workers to report all cases of suspected child abuse.

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Granddad hopes his little boy lost will save young lives

Sherele MoodyNews Corp journalist Sherele Moody started her career in the media more than 25 years ago. She reports across a broad range of topics including and has an extensive background in data analysis and statistics-based journalism. She also specialises in opinion and feature writing on gendered violence and women’s issues. Sherele is the recipient of the 2018 BandT Women in Media Social Change Maker Award and has multiple Clarion and Walkley Our Watch journalism excellence awards for her work reducing...

THE elderly couple who forced the Queensland Government to introduce mandatory child abuse reporting laws for early childhood education and care workers hope their battle will save young Queensland violence victims.

Mason's Law, passed by State Parliament on Wednesday evening, now makes it mandatory for childcare workers to report all suspected cases of child sexual and physical abuse.

The law was named after 16-month-old Mason Parker who was murdered by his stepfather Troy Reed in 2011 - just days after child care workers photographed bruises on the little boy's body.

Townsville grandparents John and Sue Sandeman fought for Mason's Law after they found out during Reed's trial that staff never reported the injuries to the authorities.

"This has been a long road and if we had of realised how hard it would have been, we may not have done it," Mr Sandeman told reporters after the law was passed.

"But we have learned a lot. We have learned that anything is possible and normal people can bring change."

"From our tragedy, we have been able to do something for Queensland kids. They are our future.

"Sue says it takes a village to raise a child and that is exactly right. We all have a role to play in protecting children." - ARM NEWSDESK